01-20-2008, 03:25 AM
In a way, I think the following quote is relevant:
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, November 11, 1755
Bob Orts hit the nail on the head with the statement: "It amazes me how so many people want government out of their lives yet are willing give government exceptional authority so long as it applies to the other person."
While the intent of the idea of this thread is admirable....nah, I'll stop that sentence there.
What amazes me is that someone would have the marbles to take it upon themselves to, or suggest the government, dictate the conditions of the use or disposal of my private property, as far as purchase or sale is concerned. Where would it stop? Perhaps an additional tax on any houses with more than 1200sf? Maybe an additional $1000 tax for every tree removed from any property?
California initiatives? No thanks. While it is not my intent to be offensive; California is so screwed up that people have been leaving in droves over the past decade or so. And some of those want to bring along the same ideas/attitudes that made them leave California to begin with. California initiatives (virus)? No thank you very much.
Bob Orts' point was made very well recently here in Texas. The TX government decided it needed some quick money in the state treasury. What to do, what to do? Here ya go...an additional $1 tax on every pack of cigarettes. Passed and implemented last September. Stop here for a moment and reexamine your opinion on this tax. Objectively.
Being a smoker, I'm naturally opposed to this tax. But not for just the reason that I have to pay it. It is an unfair tax targeted at a specific group that has ZERO chance of mounting a meaningful opposition. None. Who's the next target?
In discussions I participated in concerning this tax, I suggested that maybe a more equitable alternative would be to increase the gasoline tax by a nickel. Like a lot of you are thinking right this moment; most were of the opinion that I should have my head ripped off.
I don't have the answer or solution to the growth issue. But it is my opinion that giving the gov't additional taxing authority ain't it. It's only a matter of time before they come for you, because it was made so easy for them to do so. And when that time comes, I'd love to be able to help out. But, alas, my resources have been restricted. By $1 a pack.
In case anyone is wondering, I do own property on Big Island. Leilani Estates. Vacant lot. I live on the mainland. And frankly, it's nobody's business whether or not I sell that property, when, to whom, or for how much.
RB Byrd
http://www.dejavuduband.com
Flower Mound, TX
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, November 11, 1755
Bob Orts hit the nail on the head with the statement: "It amazes me how so many people want government out of their lives yet are willing give government exceptional authority so long as it applies to the other person."
While the intent of the idea of this thread is admirable....nah, I'll stop that sentence there.
What amazes me is that someone would have the marbles to take it upon themselves to, or suggest the government, dictate the conditions of the use or disposal of my private property, as far as purchase or sale is concerned. Where would it stop? Perhaps an additional tax on any houses with more than 1200sf? Maybe an additional $1000 tax for every tree removed from any property?
California initiatives? No thanks. While it is not my intent to be offensive; California is so screwed up that people have been leaving in droves over the past decade or so. And some of those want to bring along the same ideas/attitudes that made them leave California to begin with. California initiatives (virus)? No thank you very much.
Bob Orts' point was made very well recently here in Texas. The TX government decided it needed some quick money in the state treasury. What to do, what to do? Here ya go...an additional $1 tax on every pack of cigarettes. Passed and implemented last September. Stop here for a moment and reexamine your opinion on this tax. Objectively.
Being a smoker, I'm naturally opposed to this tax. But not for just the reason that I have to pay it. It is an unfair tax targeted at a specific group that has ZERO chance of mounting a meaningful opposition. None. Who's the next target?
In discussions I participated in concerning this tax, I suggested that maybe a more equitable alternative would be to increase the gasoline tax by a nickel. Like a lot of you are thinking right this moment; most were of the opinion that I should have my head ripped off.
I don't have the answer or solution to the growth issue. But it is my opinion that giving the gov't additional taxing authority ain't it. It's only a matter of time before they come for you, because it was made so easy for them to do so. And when that time comes, I'd love to be able to help out. But, alas, my resources have been restricted. By $1 a pack.
In case anyone is wondering, I do own property on Big Island. Leilani Estates. Vacant lot. I live on the mainland. And frankly, it's nobody's business whether or not I sell that property, when, to whom, or for how much.
RB Byrd
http://www.dejavuduband.com
Flower Mound, TX
RB Byrd
Flower Mound, TX
Flower Mound, TX